CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) — Five people were shot and two were killed after a workplace shooting Wednesday at the Delaware County Linen in Chester, Pennsylvania, according to the district attorney.
At a news conference, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said a disgruntled employee entered the linen store and shot five co-workers. Two of the victims were killed and three people were transported to Crozer-Chester Medical Center in serious condition.
“We have two people who unfortunately lost their lives simply because a disgruntled former employee showed up for work today,” Stollsteimer said, “and we have three other people who are currently in the hospital and we Let’s all pray for them.”
The shooting happened around 8:30 a.m. in the 2600 block of West 4th Street. Investigators said it happened inside and outside the linen store.
Stollsteimer said one person was killed inside the store and one outside.
“This is a tragedy, a story that repeats itself too often in the United States of America,” Stollsteimer said.
Chester City Mayor Stefan Roots said at a news conference that one of the victims was the man’s supervisor.
The prosecutor said the shooter tried to escape but was stopped by police in Trainer, Delaware County.
Stollsteimer said a handgun was used in the shooting.
Sources said investigators found a 9mm semi-automatic handgun in the car the man fled in.
In a one-on-one interview with CBS News Philadelphia, the prosecutor added that there are “just too many guns in the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.”
“Here you have someone who is a disgruntled employee of this company, who doesn’t like some of his co-workers for whatever reason,” Stollsteimer said, “and decides to come and kill them. So we have two deaths. These people just went to work today like every other day, thinking they were going on with their lives and now they’re dead on the floor.”
“Just normal people trying to go to work. Provide for their families. Live the American dream,” Stollsteimer added. “This morning, before 10 a.m., they died. Their family’s lives are ruined.”
The mayor called for stricter gun laws and better mental health services.
“This speaks to guns in America. We have a city that is dealing with violence. We have large groups here that are tackling this problem at every level. It’s heartbreaking. It’s tragic. This must stop,” Roots said. “Chester, Pennsylvania, never expected to be the epicenter of another episode of workplace violence. We are a close-knit community. We all know each other. We are all family, and that’s why this hurts for so many of us.”
Investigators are not yet releasing the identity of the suspected shooter.
Chester officials canceled their regular council meeting Wednesday. Instead, they inspected the crime scene and assured people that the city would provide the necessary support to those affected by the shooting.
The mayor said the White House has contacted the city.
